Giving Away Of The Bride

Hi..

Tradition

Perhaps one of the more emotional events in the wedding ceremony, besides your vows themselves, are the giving away of the bride. Everyone gets a little misty eyed seeing the proud dad `giving away` his little girl, as it were.

And then came the 90`s...

When everyone was feeling much more independent and liberated. Women were offended by the idea that they might be handed over from their fathers/parents to their husbands--indeed, they were much too modern for such an old-fashioned act. Why not walk down the aisle themselves or, better yet, with their fiance?

It`s Your Choice

Bottom line, as is the case with most of this planning, how you want to handle the escort and presentation of the bride to the altar for the ceremony is up to you and your fiance. Following are some suggestions that may be helpful as you consider this ceremony element:

You may love tradition and be very close to your father and relish the idea of walking in on his arm.
You may want to showcase both parents and have them both escort you down the aisle.
You may want to walk in with your father/parents but leave them with a kiss at their front pew and then continue on your own to meet your groom at the altar (instead of having them escort you right up to your groom and `turn you over` to him).
You could ask to officiant to replace "Who gives this woman in marriage?" with "Who blesses this marriage?" In this case, both sets of parents could answer, "We do."
You may love your parents dearly (or not) but prefer to walk down the aisle on your own.
You might choose to be escorted by a favorite brother or other male relative.
You and your groom may choose to walk down the aisle together. This is more common among, but certainly not limited to, couples who have been living together prior to the wedding.
Regardless of how you choose to handle this final approach to the ceremony, it is almost sure to be tender and emotional for you, your groom, and all of the guests. Enjoy--it really is a special moment

I have a choice to have my wedding in my State of residence *VA* Or going to where I grew up and my family resides... IF i choose to have my wedding here then half of my family wont travel.. So I am having it in CT where my entire family is.. Plus its cheaper to do this.

I want my father to give me away because I am his ONLY daughter out of 7 children.. This is something that is very special to me.. We are pretty close and I dont want to miss this opportunity!!! This is the ONE thing that him and I will be able to share that will be remembered forever.. Yes we did do things as we grew up, but nothing this special...

Not sure if that helps you much,,, BUT I hope it does a little bit.. IF you do not have a father who can give you away what about someone Else you are close to..??

Holly

My dad and I aren`t very close so I`ve been talking about walking by myself or even having my mom give me away but my dad is just so upset about this. He has threatened to not show up or not pay, even leave my mom! I REALLY do not want him to walk me down but what can I do. How can I explain that I just want to be independent and the center of attention?

I`m in the same predicament. My father and I are not close and it would feel almost hypocritical to have him walk me down the aisle. I finally decided that I would walk with both parents. Just to show that I feel closer to my mother without completely offending my father.

I *in my opinion* would allow my father to walk me down the isle... Even if we werent close.. Because this is a special day for dad.. To give his child away to the man she loves.. IF your an only child or an only daughter it may be the first and last time he gets to do this..

May be not so close right now, but maybe this will bring you two closer?? It is ok to have your mothers walk you down the isle too so if you choose to go that route then that is fine.. You just have to think about your BIG day and what will make you happy.. Dont do anything that wont make your bid a day a wonderful day

Holly

Hi, its really your decision, i for one am having my mum walk me down the aisle, my father and i do not have a good relationship and i cringe at the thought of walking down with him, it was my decision and everyone im my family accepted it, so i hope your would do the same for you, best of luck ,cheers